It’s a blessing to work in a city with some of the most stunning churches for your Catholic wedding ceremony. With so many Catholic churches in Chicago, it can be hard to parse the differences in their processes and wedding day logistics. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite churches, and what you can expect if you’re getting married there.
We’ll go over the logistics about the location, specific rules each church may have, and other notes we’ve made based on our experience coordinating weddings there. An important note: Some churches restrict how much communication they will have with outside coordinators — and even parents. While our team likes to help oversee all elements of a wedding day, we always want to show respect in sacred spaces and we understand that clergy and church staff are the leaders within it.
Chicago Catholic Church Weddings (in Alpha order!)
St Alphonsus
St. Alphonsus is a beautiful church in the Lake View East neighborhood. Construction of the church began in 1896, and it was an important part of the German immigrant community on the city’s North Side.
One of our favorite features of this church is the stunning gold and cobalt blue arched ceiling overhead, which makes for incredible photos.
See more of Basia and Kevin’s Wedding here.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 1pm or 3pm, some limited Fridays at 4pm
Rehearsal Times: The evening before the wedding, at 5:30pm for 1:30pm weddings, or 6:30pm for 3:30pm weddings
Location: 2950 N Southport | Lake View East
Transportation: One large and one small church-owned lot, plus nearby street and paid parking options
Accessibility: There is elevator access from the Oakdale parklot to the main floor for those with mobility issues.
Bridal Suite: There is a large suite with a bathroom on the lower level of the church for the bridal party, with stair and elevator access. If the bride doesn’t want to be seen before processing, she must take the elevator to the main level, exit from the side door to the front steps of the church, and enter the main doors into the vestibule, before processing from the narthex.
Photo Timing: Allowed beforehand, but must conclude 15 minutes before the ceremony start time
Photo/Video: Photographers and videographers must sign an agreement with the church, which includes some restrictions on where they can shoot from and what equipment they can use.
Musicians: An organist and cantor are included in the overall fee, and additional musicians are $200 each. Guest singers may be allowed with prior approval, and are generally limited to one special song.
Music: Songs can be selected from a pre-selected group of traditional pieces. Other choices must come from sacred sources and require prior approval.
Costs
$1,750, which includes use of the facilities, a volunteer coordinator, altar servers, an organist, and a cantor.
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required
$200 – additional musicians, optional
Gratuity for musicians and presiding priest, optional
Assumption Catholic Church
Assumption boasts a ceiling full of gilded murals, painted by the artist Louis Grell. His work also adorns the grand ceiling of the Chicago Theatre, just a few blocks across the river. The East and West walls feature a series of stained glass windows, and a large window above the altar depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, after which the church is named.
Assumption was founded in 1881, in a neighborhood settled by Italian immigrants. Because of this, it was the first church in the city specifically intended to serve Italian Catholics, and allowed any Italian speakers living in the Archdiocese to enroll as parishioners.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. A Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $30.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, Fridays at 4pm, or some Sundays at 3pm (with certain liturgical restrictions.)
Rehearsal Times: The evening before the wedding.
Location: 323 W Illinois St | River North
Transportation: Wedding parking is available for free in the garage at 311 W Illinois, entrance off of Franklin Street.
Bridal Suite: This church does not have a bridal suite, so if the bride wants to remain unseen before the procession, she must wait outside in the bridal party shuttle.
Photo Timing: 15 minutes permitted inside the church after the ceremony, as long as the ceremony begins on time. There is also a lovely courtyard on the west side of the church.
Climate: Assumption Church is air conditioned.
Parish Membership: At least one member of the couple must be a baptized Catholic, but parish membership at Assumption is not required to be married there.
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are outlined on the church website.
Musicians: Parish musicians and cantors provide the music for all weddings. The parish music coordinator will assist couples in selecting music for the ceremony, and can help in arranging for additional instrumentalists. Outside musicians require prior approval from the music coordinator.
Music: Recorded music is not permitted.
Grand Exits: Balloons, birdseed, bubbles, confetti, rice, doves, and other winged creatures are not allowed inside of or in front of the church.
Seating: The church has a seating capacity of 350 people.
Other Notes: There are some restrictions regarding the locations of flowers and other decor, which are outlined on the church website.
Costs
$900 for Friday or Saturday weddings, or $1,100 for Sunday weddings. $200 of that fee must be made as a deposit to the parish office within 10 days of reserving a date, otherwise the date will be released and your deposit refunded.
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required
$30 – Online registration fee for premarital inventory, required
Cost Varies – Cantor, required
Cost Varies – Additional musicians, optional
Saint Clement Parish
Saint Clement is sometimes called a “museum quality” church, and for good reason! Every inch of the Byzantine-style church is a sight to behold, from the elaborate ceiling murals, intricate mosaic altar, and stunning stained glass windows. Three large “rose” or “wagon wheel” windows symbolizing the Holy Trinity grace the West, South, and East Facades. Thirty-two narrow windows form a ring beneath the church’s incredible eighty foot dome, allowing light in and creating a crown-like appearance.
See more of John and Grace’s Wedding at St. Clement’s Church here
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required, available through Saint Clement to a limited number of couples for $125, or through the Archdiocese of Chicago for $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. A Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $30.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Saturdays at 6:30, but ceremony only, no mass. Some Fridays in June, July, and August at 1pm and 3pm, but with restrictions. Select Thursdays.
Rehearsal Times: Rehearsals for Saturday weddings are held on Friday evenings at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm. There are no 6pm Friday rehearsals during Lent. Rehearsals for Friday afternoon weddings are held on Thursday afternoons, and the timing varies depending on the church schedule.
Location: 642 W Deming Place | Lincoln Park
Transportation: Parking is available in the church lot and in the school lot. Due to the narrow streets of Lincoln Park, Saint Clement and the Chicago Police Department recommend hiring small buses and trolleys, rather than large coach buses.
Accessibility: Elevator access is available from outside on the East of the church to the main level, and inside from the main level to the restrooms on the lower level. The church has a t-coil hearing loop system that can be used by guests with hearing aids or cochlear implants, or a set of headphones and receiver provided by the church.
Bridal Suite: A bridal suite is available in the ministry center. The groom and groomsmen wait before the ceremony in the church sacristy.
Photo Timing: 15 minutes permitted inside the church after the ceremony, if the ceremony begins on time.
Climate: Air conditioned
Parish Membership: At least one member of the couple must be a registered parishioner at Saint Clement.
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are laid out in a document that can be shared with your vendors.
Musicians: Musicians unaffiliated with Saint Clement are not allowed to lead the music. Additional musicians must be affiliated with Saint Clement and are an additional fee, listed below. There may be other limited opportunities for a family member or friend to be a part of the ceremony music.
Music: Must be liturgical and spiritual in nature. All decisions regarding ceremony music must be made in consultation with parish music staff.
Coordinator Rules: Saint Clement will not communicate with an outside wedding coordinator regarding the wedding ceremony. The church’s wedding attendant will lead both the rehearsal and the ceremony.
Grand Exit: No balloons, birds, birdseed, bubbles, butterflies, confetti, flower petals, sparklers, etc are allowed inside or outside the church.
Seating:
Presiding Clergy: Priests from other Catholic parishes, or ministers from other denominations are welcome to participate, but the presider must be a Catholic priest or deacon. If you are the fourth wedding booked on a particular date, you must provide your own priest.
Other Notes:
There are some restrictions regarding the locations of flowers and decor, which are laid out in a document that can be shared with your florist.
No food or beverages are allowed inside the church, and no alcohol is allowed on church grounds.
Flower girls and ring bearers must be old enough to walk the length of the aisle unassisted.
The baptismal font in the middle of the aisle can be tricky to maneuver around with long trains and veils.
Costs
$$2,500 for 2025 weddings. This includes use of the church, paperwork preparation, organist and cantor, priest stipend, a church coordinator throughout preparation, a church attendant for rehearsal and ceremony, and a donation to the parish. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required at the time of booking, but may be transferred to another wedding date.
Additional Costs:
$125-225 – Pre-Cana course, required
$30 – Online registration fee for premarital inventory, required
$150 – Live streaming of the ceremony through the parish YouTube page, optional
$350 – Flower service, including guaranteed altar floral arrangements, optional
$125 – Wedding program prep, design, and printing following the church template, optional
$275 – Individual instrumentalist, such as trumpet, violin, obe, flute, etc, optional
$675-1000 – Instrumental trio, optional
$900-1,200 – Instrumental quartet, optional
$350-500 – Harpist, optional
$1,600 minimum – Chorale ensemble, optional
Holy Family Catholic Church
As one of the oldest churches in the city, Holy Family has a fascinating history, and deep connections with many other Chicago institutions. The church is among the few buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire, but it has closer ties to the event than most—the infamous Mrs. O’Leary and her family were parishioners at the church!
Today, the church retains close ties with the Chicago Fire Department. Across the street is Firehouse 18, one of the oldest in the city, and members would frequently come to worship at the church. A special reserved pew sat for them in the very last row, so they could return to the firehouse quickly when they heard the alarm ring out. Even though the firehouse has since moved to a new building down the street, (and is a filming location for NBC’s Chicago Fire) the church still hosts a monthly family mass for members of the department.
Holy Family was even name-dropped in an episode of FX’s The Bear! However, it may be a case of mistaken identify, given that Carmy tells his sister that the church is in River North. It’s much more likely that he’s referring to Holy Name, which is only a few blocks away from Mr. Beef, the real-life restaurant that inspired the one on the show.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required, through local parishes and church-approved sites.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. Ceremonies on Thursdays, Fridays, or Sundays must be requested.
Rehearsal Times: The Thursday or Friday before wedding, typically at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm
Location: 1080 West Roosevelt Road | Little Italy
Transportation: Parking is available in the church lot, or on-street parking on Roosevelt Road. Guest shuttles can stage in the church lot.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access to the church is available from the parish center, at the corner of May and Roosevelt, just West of the church entrance
Bridal Suite: A bride’s room is available
Photo Timing: Photos are allowed after the ceremony, though the amount time allotted depends on if the ceremony begins and concludes on time. Photos must be taken before leaving the church, with the couple and their bridal party and family members immediately returning to the altar following the recessional.
Climate: Church is NOT air conditioned. There are large fans. The Bridal suite is air conditioned.
Photo/Video: Rules for the photo and video team will be provided by the church coordinator upon their arrival for the ceremony.
Musicians: The couple must hire and contract their own musicians, either from an pre-approved list or of their own selection. Friends or relatives are welcome to perform at the ceremony. Musicians are not permitted to attend the ceremony rehearsal.
Music: Must be liturgical and spiritual in nature.
Coordinator Rules: The church coordinator is open to working with wedding coordinators directly. They can assist her at the church, and can contact the office or email her with any questions.
Grand Exit: Bells, bubbles, noise makers, ribbon wands, etc are allowed. No food items are allowed to be tossed.
Presiding Clergy: Couples must acquire a presiding priest or deacon on their own.
Other Notes:
There are some restrictions regarding florals and other decor, which vendors should contact the office to discuss.
No alcohol is allowed on church grounds.
Costs
$2000, including a $1000 deposit. This does not include a priest stipend, music, or flowers.
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required
$200-300 – Priest stipend, recommended
Cost Varies – Musicians for the ceremony, not included or provided by the church
Holy Name Cathedral
Unlike some of the other churches on this list, the original Holy Name church did sadly fall victim to the Great Chicago Fire. Local clergy quickly began to raise funds to rebuild it, and the new church was dedicated in 1874, now with the designation of Chicago’s cathedral.
As the central church in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Holy Name has a few unique features. The first is the bishop’s cathedra, a symbolic throne from which the word “cathedral” is derived. The second may not be as noticeable, unless you look upwards—high above the altar hang six bright red galeri. These wide-brimmed hats were formerly given to cardinals by the pope, and symbolized their promotion to the rank. After a cardinal dies, their galero is raised to the ceiling until they disintegrate into dust.
The outside facade of the cathedral also bears an indication of some of Chicago’s… not so pious history. In 1926, Al Capone’s rival Hymie Weiss was leaving Schofield’s Flower Shop across the street, where his operations were based. Capone’s men were lying in wait, and opened fire on Weiss and the associates with him. Four of those bullets hit the Southwest cornerstone of the cathedral, and the marks are still faintly visible to this day.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: One In Christ seminar required, for $250. The FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $35.
Ceremony Times: Fridays at 2:30pm or 4pm, Saturdays at 11am, 1:30pm, or 3:30pm
Rehearsal Times: Thursdays at 5:30pm and 6:15pm, Fridays at 5:30pm, 6:15pm, and 7pm
Location: 735 N State Street | River North
Transportation: Parking is available for a maximum of two hours in the church garage at 14 W Superior St. It requires ticket validation from the machines in the church vestibule.
Bridal Suite: Located on the lower level, accessible by elevator. It is a large room with mirrors and a restroom, and is available to brides 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. All personal items must be removed from the room before the ceremony begins.
Photo Timing: No group photos are allowed inside around the altar before or after the ceremony. If weather permits, they are allowed after the ceremony in the courtyard.
Climate: Air Conditioned
Parish Membership: At least one member of the couple must be a practicing Catholic, and a registered parisher of Holy Name
Musicians: Cathedral musicians will play for all weddings. The organist and cantor provided must be used, and additional musicians are available by request, for a minimum fee of $550. Unaffiliated musicians are not allowed unless approved by the department, are limited to one song, and must schedule a rehearsal with the organist for an additional fee.
Music: All music must be planned with the Cathedral Music Department, and must be liturgical and spiritual in nature. No pre-recorded music is allowed.
Coordinator Rules: The priest will conduct rehearsal in consultation with only the couple.
Grand Exits: Bubbles and bells are allowed. No balloons, birds, birdseed, butterflies, confetti, flower petals, or sparklers.
Presiding Clergy: Priests or Deacons from outside of Holy Name or the Archdiocese may officiate.
Other Notes:
There are some restrictions regarding florals and other decor, which are available on the church website to be shared with your florist.
No alcohol is allowed on church grounds.
Costs
$2,000
Additional Costs:
$250 – One In Christ seminar, required
$35 – FOCCUS marriage inventory, required
$550 minimum – organist and cantor, required
~$200-300 – Honorarium for celebrant, suggested
$300 – Live streaming of the ceremony through the church’s YouTube channel, optional
$200 – Rehearsal with the organist, required for musicians not affiliated with the church
$150 – Additional cantors, optional
$250 – Trumpet, optional
$250 – Solo violin, optional
$550 – Violin duo, optional
$825 – String trio, optional
$1,100 – String quartet, optional
$425 – Harpist, optional
Holy Trinity Polish Catholic Church
Holy Trinity was founded as the second Polish parish in Chicago, and today is one of a handful that can be seen rising above the Kennedy Expressway. The church itself was built in 1906, and has elements of varying architectural styles, including Corinithian columns, a baroque facade, and Gothic-Romanesque stained glass windows. This is called the “Polish cathedral style,” in reference to the churches in Poland that were built in sections as they had the funds, with the style of different structures varying based on when they were completed.
The church’s interior is bright and airy, thanks to the primarily clear glass windows, and the absence of columns in the nave. The ceiling shines with gold leaf features, and large scale murals of Biblical scenes. It is a truly breathtaking space, and photos cannot do justice to how it feels to witness it in person.
Pictured above is Marlee & Mike’s spectacular Labor Day Weekend wedding.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session.
Ceremony Times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
Rehearsal Times: Typical the Wednesday before the wedding after 7:30pm Mass, which concludes around 8:20pm. Alternatives can be arranged by discussing with a priest.
Location: 1118 North Noble Street | Pulaskey Park
Photo Timing: Photos are permitted after the ceremony, provided that Mass begins on time, and that the bridal party leaves the church 15 minutes before the next wedding or liturgical service in the church.
Climate: Holy Trinity is air conditioned.
Other Languages: All services are in Polish
Parish Membership: At least one member of the couple must be Catholic, and either a registered active parishioner at Holy Trinity, or provide a letter from their priest if they belong to another parish. If they are not registered as parishioners at any church, they must do so before looking to get married at Holy Trinity.
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are laid out on the church website.
Musicians: An organist and cantor for the ceremony are not included in the fee, and must be contracted by the couple directly by reaching out to the parish organist.
Music: Must be liturgical in nature.
Grand Exits: No confetti, flower petals, rice, etc may be thrown.
Costs
$250 for couples in which one member is an active parishioner of Holy Trinity, or $450 for those who are parishioners elsewhere. This covers expenses for the maintenance and cleaning of the church, and for the time spent preparing by church staff. A non refundable deposit of $150 is required when reserving a wedding date, which must be done in person.
Additional Costs:
St. Hyacinth Basilica
St. Hyacinth Basilica, located in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, was founded in 1894 by the Congregation of the Resurrection to serve the then growing Polish immigrant community. As the congregation grew, a new church was constructed at its current location, with the cornerstone laid in 1917 and the first Mass celebrated on August 7, 1921. The basilica’s design, characterized by its three towering spires, is a prime example of the Polish Cathedral style, reflecting the architectural grandeur of European structures. In recognition of its cultural and spiritual significance, Pope John Paul II designated St. Hyacinth as a minor basilica in 2003.
Costs
Church Fee: The standard fee for the use of the church is $750.00.
St James Chapel
The stunning white interior of St James Chapel is one of our favorites. Photos by Rachel Osborn Photography
St. James Chapel was formerly a part of the Archbishop Quigley Seminary, and today is part of the administrative complex for the Archdiocese. Cardinal George Mundelein planned out the chapel, and it is clearly evident how carefully he considered every detail. Construction of the Neo-Gothic building began in 1916, and was designed in part by Zachary Taylor Davis, a Chicago architect also known for Comiskey Park, and Wrigley Field. The ceiling and interior walls are a relatively subdued white limestone with gold details, but this highlights the chapel’s true gems- the windows.
Rendered in dense jewel tones, the fifteen windows depict Biblical scenes that tell the story of the Catholic Church. The windows along the north and south walls are forty feet tall, and each contain approximately forty five thousand pieces of glass. With the six 30 foot windows in the sanctuary, and a rose window dedicated to St. Mary centered above the altar, the total pieces of glass used numbers over seven hundred thousand. Some call the chapel windows a “crown jewel of Chicago architecture,” and when you stand in the space it is clear to understand why.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. Or, the One In Christ seminar, for $250. In addition to either seminar, the FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $35.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 12:30pm, 3pm, and 5:15pm.
Rehearsal Times: The Friday evening beforehand at 4pm, 5pm, or 6pm.
Location: 835 North Rush Street | Near North Side
Transportation: Parking is not available in the courtyard. Shuttles, parking apps, and ride shares are recommended, otherwise there are commercial parking lots nearby.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, assisted hearing devices are compatible in the space
Bridal Suite: There is a space available for brides where they can be unseen before the ceremony if they arrive before guests do.
Photo Timing: No more than 20 minutes after mass.
Climate: The chapel is climate controlled.
Parish Membership: St. James is not a parish church and does not require parish membership. Any Catholic who is free to marry may do so at St. James, and at least one member of the couple must be Catholic.
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are outlined on the church website.
Musicians: Organist and cantor are included in the ceremony fee. Additional musicians are an extra fee, and must be contracted by the organist. Guest singers are permitted to sing one song.
Music: Chapel staff will guide the couple in selections; all music must be liturgical and spiritual in nature.
Coordinator Rules: The church coordinator will not work with or communicate with an outside wedding coordinator. An outside coordinator cannot lead the rehearsal, but can support the church coordinator during it, and facilitate arrivals and departures for the bridal party.
Grand Exit: Bubbles or ribbon wands are allowed.
Seating: The chapel has a seating capacity of 299 people.
Presiding Clergy:
Other Notes:
There are some restrictions regarding the locations of flowers and other decor, which are outlined on the church website.
Costs
$3,500 paid upon reserving a ceremony time, includes use of the space, organist and cantor, church coordinator, a housekeeper, and two security guards.
Additional Costs:
$175-250 – Either the Pre Cana or One in Christ marriage seminar, required
$35 – FOCCUS marriage inventory, required
Cost Varies – Additional musicians, optional
A Grand Package is also available, that includes more prep time and courtyard pictures
St Josaphat Catholic Church
Immigrants from Kashubia, a region in modern-day Poland, founded St. Josaphat Parish in 1883 . Many of the community members had been attending Polish masses at St. Stanislaus Kostka, or German masses at St. Michael’s, but desired a parish where they could worship in their own Kashubian language. Construction on the current building began in 1899, but was not without its roadblocks. Like many of the churches listed here, a natural disaster also struck St. Josaphat. Unlike those others though, it wasn’t a fire that damaged St. Josaphat, but a cyclone. Luckily, rebuilding the structure was possible, and the church opened in 1902.
The Polish cathedral-style church was designed by William Brinkmann, known for the World’s Columbian Exposition exhibits he created while working for legendary Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. It’s possible the fate of other Chicago churches influenced his choices here, as the entire framework is built from fireproof steel, and there are no woodwork elements in the structure itself.
The nave of the church has an interesting layout, with a semicircular pew arrangement around a centered altar. Franz Mayer of Munich designed the stained glass windows, and also created the windows at St. Alphonsus and St. Michael’s.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required, offered by St. Josaphat three times a year and included in the fee. Otherwise available through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. A Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $30.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 1pm or 3pm.
Rehearsal Times: Typically on Fridays at 3pm or 4pm, but can be accommodated at other times.
Location: 2311 North Southport Avenue | Lincoln Park
Transportation: There is a church lot at 2312 N Wayne Avenue with space for 34 cars.
Bridal Suite: There is no bridal suite, but one of the bathrooms in the narthex is large with a mirror, counter, and cabinet.
Photo Timing: Couples are allotted 90 minutes from the scheduled start of their ceremony time, the time remaining after the ceremony may be used for photos inside. The park behind the church is available for photos, except during Advent when it is used for the church Christmas tree sale.
Parish Membership: Both members of a couple must either be registered, active parishioners for a minimum of twelve months, or must live within parish boundaries. Active, registered parishioners receive priority over non-parishioners.
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are outlined on the church website.
Musicians: A cantor and a music director/pianist/organist are required, but not included in the ceremony fee. Additional musicians may be contracted through the music director, and are an additional fee. If the couple has a friend or family member they would like to participate in the ceremony music, they are allowed to do so, but make arrangements with the music director.
Music: Some restrictions, in line with the liturgical guidelines of the Archdiocese.
Coordinator Rules: The presiding priest or deacon will only communicate with the couple, no family members or outside coordinators.
Grand Exit: No rice is allowed.
Presiding Clergy: Church clergy will preside over ceremonies, unless the couple has an important relationship with an outside priest or deacon, such as a family member or close friend.
Other Notes:
There are some restrictions regarding the locations of flowers and other decor, which are outlined on the church website.
No alcohol is allowed on church grounds.
Aisle runners are allowed.
The church asks you to take a child’s age into consideration before asking them to be a ring bearer or flower girl.
Guests who are commissioned Eurcharistc Ministers may assist in the distribution of Communion.
The church will schedule altar servers from the parish, but family members of the couple who are already altar servers may participate in your wedding.
Costs
$1500, which includes liturgical staff, altar servers, parish wedding coordinator, required paperwork, Pre-Cana, and maintenance staff. This fee is required at the initial meeting in order to secure the wedding date.
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar through the Archdiocese, required if not completing through St. Josaphat
$30 – Online registration fee for premarital inventory, required
$225 – Music director/pianist/organist, required
$100-175 – Cantor, required
$225+ – Additional instruments, optional
Fee for rehearsal with the organist, required for family members/friends not affiliated with the church
Gratuity for the celebrant and altar servers, optional
St Joseph Parish
St Joseph’s was the first Polish parish located in Back of the Yards, established as a place of worship for the many Polish immigrants who worked at the nearby Union Stock Yards. Like the other Polish churches on the North Side, St. Joseph’s also exemplifies the Polish cathedral style. The red brick outer facade is red brick, built in the Neo-Romanesque style, while inside the dark wood pews and flooring draws your eyes upward to the arched Baroque ceiling overhead.
Important Info
Location: 4821 South Hermitage Avenue | Back of the Yards
Transportation: Parking available at nearby lot
Bridal Suite: Yes
Climate: Air Conditioned
Photo/Video: Allowed 15 minutes after ceremony
Costs
The total fee is $2,500, which includes a $500 deposit and a $2,000 remainder
Additional Costs:
Madonna della Strada Chapel
The Madonna della Strada (MSD) Chapel is one of my personal favorites in Chicago— as a Loyola alum, I may be a bit biased! MSD is unique among Chicago churches thanks to its Art Deco design, selected in 1929 to reflect the University’s forward-thinking nature, and to complement other campus buildings constructed in the style. MSD is also unique in its orientation, with the chapel’s main doors opening out to a stunning view of Lake Michigan. This design choice wasn’t entirely intentional though. Early plans called for Lake Shore Drive to travel a mile further north of where it ends now, so the chapel was designed (and named) with that in mind.
Another insider note I can’t help but share: Try standing directly in the center of the plaza outside, facing the lake, and speak out loud. You’ll be able to hear your voice echoed back to you, thanks to a phenomenon called TKTK!
For those looking for a reception space outside of the city, Loyola also owns the beautiful Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm. The chapel is unavailable during certain religious periods, (such as holidays, Palm Sunday weekend through Easter) and academic periods (such as move-in weekend in late August, final exam weekends, and graduation weekends.)
Rehearsal Times: The Friday evening before, at 4pm for 11am weddings, 5pm for 1pm weddings, or 6pm for 3pm weddings.
Location: 1110 W Sheridan Road | Loyola University Chicago Lakeshore Campus | Rogers Park
Transportation: There is a large parking structure on campus, with a parking fee of $8. Loyola provides a golf cart and driver on the wedding day to help transport guests who may require assistance from the garage to the chapel. The large U-shaped driveway off of Sheridan Road also allows for easy rideshare pickups and drop offs.
Accessibility: The chapel is wheelchair accessible.
Bridal Suite: There is a bridal suite available in the library connected to the chapel, and there is a space in the chapel available for the groom and groomsmen. The bride can travel from the bridal suite in the library to the narthex of the church without being seen by guests inside.
Photo Timing: Weddings are allotted 90 minutes from the scheduled ceremony start time, which includes the ceremony and any photos taken inside the chapel afterwards. Photos are permitted on the campus grounds beyond those 90 minutes, given that you are considerate to other weddings scheduled that day.
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are laid out in a document that can be shared with your vendors.
Climate: The chapel is fully air conditioned in the summer.
Other Languages:
Parish Membership: At least one member of the couple must be Catholic, and a member of the LUC community. This includes administration staff, faculty, current students, resident employees, or the child of those groups listed. Alumni who have received a degree from LUC are also eligible, though children of alums are not.
Musicians: The chapel’s Director of Music serves as the organist at all weddings, and the cantors are members of Loyola’s voice faculty. Additional instrumentalists may be used for an additional fee, and are arranged for by the Director of Music. Guest singers are not allowed, and wedding party members are not permitted to perform during the ceremony as musicians.
Music: Musical selections require a consultation with the Director of Music, and must be liturgical and spiritual in nature. Recorded music or musical accompaniment is not allowed.
Coordinator Rules: The Chapel Coordinator is responsible for weddings in the chapel, and outside coordinators must yield all questions regarding the chapel to them.
Grand Exits: Bubbles are allowed outside provided all containers are disposed of before departing campus. Thrown items like balloons, flower petals, or rice are not allowed.
Seating: The chapel has a seating capacity of approximately 500 people. The bridal party is always seated in the first pews, and parents and family members will be seated behind them.
Presiding Clergy: Couples must ask another priest or deacon to preside at the wedding, as the Loyola chaplains are unavailable to do so.
Other Notes:
Because Madonna della Strada is not a parish church, some additional documentation is required to be given permission to wed there.
Food and beverages are not permitted inside the chapel, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any non-catered event on campus.
The couple may choose two guests to assist with communion, if they are commissioned Eucharistic Ministers.
There are some restrictions regarding the locations of flowers and other decor, which are laid out in a document that can be shared with your florist.
The baptismal font in the middle of the aisle can be tricky to maneuver around with long trains and veils.
Costs
$2,000. This includes use of the chapel, document administration, a volunteer chapel coordinator, a security guard, a golf cart and driver to shuttle guests, the services of the music director/organist, and a cantor.
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required~$200 – A stipend or gift to the presiding priest, recommended
Costs
$2,000. This includes use of the chapel, document administration, a volunteer chapel coordinator, a security guard, a golf cart and driver to shuttle guests, the services of the music director/organist, and a cantor.
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required~$200 – A stipend or gift to the presiding priest, recommended
St. Michael Catholic Church
St. Michael is one of the most notable landmarks in Old Town, with a towering 290-foot steeple, and even unofficially notes the boundaries of the neighborhood. As the saying goes, “if you can hear the bells of St. Michael’s, that means you’re in Old Town.”
The original church opened in 1869, and featured a 200 foot steeple that was even taller than the famed Chicago Water Tower. Sadly, only two years later, it too fell victim to the Great Fire, with only the outer brick walls left standing. Reconstruction of the church was just as quick though, and the doors of St. Michael’s opened to parishioners once more in 1873.
Additions continued throughout the decades, with the most exciting renovations taking place in 1902 to mark the parish’s fiftieth anniversary. Those celebrations saw the installation of five intricately carved and painted wooden altars. The central altar is the largest, at 56 feet tall, and features an 8 foot tall statue of St. Michael. Added stained glass windows from Franz Mayer in Munich were a nod to the parish’s German origins, and beautifully illustrate Biblical stories and figures.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. A Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $30.
Ceremony Times: Typically Fridays at 12:30 and 3pm, Saturdays at 12:30pm, 3pm, and 6:30pm. St. Michael’s will consider wedding ceremonies any day of the week if requested.
Rehearsal Times: Typically the prior Friday evening, though this is flexible.
Location: 1633 North Cleveland Avenue | Old Town
Transportation: Parking is available in the church lot at Cleveland and Eugenie, along with limited on-street parking.
Musicians: Musicians may be selected from a pre-approved list. Musicians not affiliated with St. Michael’s require approval from the music minister, a rehearsal for a $75 fee, and may not lead the ceremony music. There may be opportunities for guests to participate in the ceremony music.
Seating: The church has a seating capacity of 1300, and a 25 seat chapel.
Presiding Clergy: Specific St. Michael’s priests may be requested to preside depending on availability, or couples may ask another priest to preside.
Other Notes:
The main aisle of the church is 125 feet long.
Costs
$2,700 for a ceremony in the church, which includes stipends for the priest, cantor and music director; a volunteer coordinator for the rehearsal and ceremony, and an offering for the church.
$1,300 for weddings in the chapel, which includes all of the above.
$975 for weddings in the chapel, with all of the above but no music.
The deposit is nonrefundable, but can be moved to another wedding date
Additional Costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required
$30 – Online registration fee for premarital inventory, required
$75 – Rehearsal fee for musicians not affiliated with St. Michael’s, required
Weddings at Old St Patrick’s Catholic Church Chicago
Old St. Pat’s has some of the most interesting history in Chicago. Irish immigrants established the original wooden church in 1846, and it has been an important part of Chicago’s Irish community ever since. Construction began in 1853 on the current church, and utilized bricks from Milwaukee. In 1871, the church was one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, missing the blaze by just a few blocks!
One of our favorite features of Old St. Pat’s is the unique undulating pews, which create an incredible ripple-like effect.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required, through Old St. Pat’s for $275, or through the Archdiocese for $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. A Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $30.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, or 5pm
Rehearsal Times: The Friday evening before the wedding, at 5:30 pm for 11 am weddings, 6 pm for 1pm weddings, 6:30 pm for 3pm weddings, 7pm for 5pm weddings.
Location: 700 W Adams St | West Loop
Transportation: Paid parking structure at 625 W Adams, other paid surface lots nearby.
Accessibility: Elevator access from street level to lower level bridal suite and second level sanctuary for those with mobility issues.
Bridal Suite: Located on the lower level, the bridal party can take the elevator down upon arrival. The bride can come up to the sanctuary level in the elevator and remain unseen in the hallway while the bridal party processes, before stepping into the narthex right before her procession.
Photo Timing: The bridal party may arrive 40 minutes before the ceremony. All photos after the ceremony must be finished by 20 minutes past the hour, including ones on the front steps.
Climate: Air Conditioned
Parish Membership Rules: Membership at Old St. Pat’s is not required, but at least one member of the couple must be a practicing Catholic- baptized, and preferably confirmed.
Photo/Video: Your photographer and videographer must be selected from OSP’s approved list, which is shared with you once your date is confirmed. There are some restrictions for the photographers/videographers on where they can shoot from, and what equipment they can use.
Musicians: Guest musicians are not allowed; all musicians must be selected from OSP’s approved list. At least two musicians are required; a pianist and a cantor, and additional musicians can be selected from the approved list. The pianist fee is $300, while the cantors and additional musicians’ fees are typically $225-250. If selected, the harpist’s fee is $450.
Music: A list of suggested music selections is provided by the church. Any other selections must be pre-approved, and liturgical and spiritual in nature.
Seating: Parents and grandparents are generally seated in the first row, and the bridal party in the second row.
Presiding Clergy: Once a date is reserved, the couple must secure an officiating priest before the date can be confirmed. OSP can provide a list of priests if you don’t already have one in mind.
Other Notes:
The baptismal font in the middle of the aisle can be tricky to maneuver around with long trains and veils.
No alcohol allowed on the church campus, anyone deemed intoxicated will not be allowed in the Sanctuary.
No altar servers are provided, though the couple can select their own if they wish.
Costs
$1500 (half is a tax-deductible donation, and half is a facility fee). This includes the use of the church, a volunteer coordinator from the church, and the coordination and execution of all necessary paperwork.
Additional Costs:
~$225-450 – Musician’s fees, required (please see above)
$30 – Online registration fee for premarital inventory, required
$175-275 – Pre-Cana course, required
~$200-250 – A stipend or gift to the presiding priest, recommended
$300 – Ceremony live streaming through OSP, optional
St. Viator Catholic Church
St. Viator is one of the “youngest” churches on this list, dedicated in 1929. The limestone building features the English Gothic style. Inside, dark wood beams run across the ceiling, resembling the exteriors of historic Tudor buildings. Although the parish began with only eight families, by the early 1900s the area’s population had grown so much that more than twenty parishes had been created within the original boundaries of St. Viator’s.
Important Info
Marriage Prep: Pre-Cana seminar required through the Archdiocese of Chicago, $225 for an in-person session or $175 for a virtual Zoom session. A Pre-Marriage Inventory is also required, for $35.
Ceremony Times: Saturdays at 12:30pm or 2pm
Rehearsal Times: Rehearsals are not required.
Location: 4170 West Addison Street | Old Irving Park
Photo Timing: 15 minutes allowed for photos after the ceremony
Photo/Video: There are some restrictions as to where the photo and video team can shoot from and what equipment they can use, which are outlined on the church website.
Musicians: A list of choir directors affiliated with the church is available on the church website.
Music: Must be liturgical and spiritual in nature.
Grand Exit: No flower petals or rice allowed.
Seating: Parents are seated in the first row of pews during the ceremony, and the bridal party members are seated in the second.
Other Notes:
There are some restrictions regarding the locations of flowers and other decor, which are outlined on the church website.
Costs
$400, including a $200 nonrefundable deposit
Additional costs:
$175-225 – Pre Cana marriage seminar, required
$30 – Online registration fee for premarital inventory, required
Cost Varies – Musicians for the ceremony, optional
Just Remember…
All weddings at Chicago Catholic churches are spectacular in different ways! While each church has their own unique history and design, the most important part–the wedding ceremony–remains the same in all the Archdiocese’s parishes.
Catholic Weddings in Chicago
Choosing to have your wedding ceremony in one of Chicago’s stunning Catholic churches is a meaningful way to begin your marriage with faith and tradition at the forefront. With breathtaking architecture, sacred ambiance, and deep historical roots, these churches provide an unforgettable setting for your vows. If you’re considering a Catholic wedding in Chicago, start by reaching out to your desired parish to learn about their requirements and availability. Need help planning the details of your big day? Contact us for expert guidance in creating a seamless and beautifully curated wedding experience!
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